I was reading about GDF11 and animal studies and it looks really promising. I was wondering if there is any research about GDF11 taken orally? Is it absorbed that way or does it have to be injected like in the studies? Is here anywhere to get a GDF 11 supplement?

As you know from your reading, GDF 11 stands for Growth Differentiation Factor 11. It's also known as Bone Morphogenetic Protein or BMP 11. This protein is encoded by the GDF 11 gene in humans.

The interest in GDF 11 is due to its ability to help rejuvenate the muscles and brains of older mice. Other studies suggest similar improvements in their hearts, fur and overall well being. In addition, increasing GDF11 in the blood of older mice allows them to run faster on a treadmill and recover better from injury. Sounds like a natural "fountain of youth."

As to taking GDF 11 orally or through injections, the original mice experiments were conducted by surgically attaching a younger mouse to an older one and having them share the same blood supply. Seems a bit extreme.

Questions yet to be answered include: Will increasing GDF 11 in the blood of elderly people work the same as in mice? And, how much GDF11 do humans need to get similar benefits as mice?

Since there have been no side effects noted in the experiments with mice, future research needs to determine whether people who live extra long lives have more GDF11 or other similar proteins in their blood. And, if they do, how to best use them.

Thanks for your questions. This will certainly be a fascinating topic to follow.

I read the same about GDF11, I am 28 years old and have been diagnosed with Leukoaraiosis, which doctors say is untreatable. However, after reading about GDF11 I feel that this might be the cure I a looking for. If the experiment as done with mice can be done on humans. I would readily participate in it. Also, I had a question about obtaining GDF11 from an aborted fetus? Is it possible to extract is from the fetus before it is aborted? Also, If I get blood from a child, without causing any harm to that child. Is it possible to get GDF11 from it?I had been looking for ways to get young blood to separate out the plasma ans use it on myself, but I have doubts related to using it, as to getting a new infection from that blood.

Hi, you do not need blood to contain GDF11. The human GDF11 is a so called antibody which is already produced in labs (by E.coli) and can be bought in several biosource internet shops. You just have to give them some evidence that you only use this for research.

You can also bye the kid to test the GDF11 blood level. (it is a bit expensive) For my understanding, you only need to know the GDF11 level of an 18 Year old of your weight and you can level up your own GDF11 by injecting the remaining substance.

As shown in mice, your stem cells in several tissues may become younger, but I don't see how this relates to your disease.

"Pract Neurol. 2008 Feb;8(1):26-38. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.2007.139428.Leukoaraiosis.O'Sullivan M., AuthorAbstractLeukoaraiosis describes diffuse white matter abnormalities on CT or MR brain scans, often seen in the normal elderly and in association with vascular risk factors such as hypertension, or in the context of cognitive impairment. The term was introduced to avoid confusing an imaging appearance with a specific pathology. Neurologists often come across this appearance, but its significance is sometimes uncertain. The effects on cognitive function and gait are insidious and can be difficult to detect at the bedside, but are nevertheless important. However, gradually it is becoming clearer how leukoaraiosis relates to cerebrovascular disease, Alzheimer's and other diseases, and how this appearance should influence treatment decisions.PMID: 18230707 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]"

GDF 11 (Synonym BMP 11) and test kits are available from Sigma-Adrich.com. Ten micrograms of Human BMP 11 is $242.00. Test kits can cost hundreds of dollars. Since Sigma-Aldrich and other companies are already producing Human BMP 11, it would seem GDF 11 from a fetus or child's blood would be unnecessary.

Words of caution:

Before using GDF 11/BMP 11 consult with a licensed physician. Your levels of GDF 11 should be determined through proper laboratory testing. Proper dosages should be administered by a licensed physician. And, your levels of GDF 11 should be monitored if you decide to take Human BMP 11.

Thanks for the link. I saw the product but it seems to be quite expensive to give it a try. By the way, do you know any place where I can register for human trial for it (if it is possible). I did consult regarding this with my current doctor but it seems that he hasn't heard about it. I will be looking here in India as well at NIMHANS.

There's a human trial beginning October, and the article noted that finding 'human volunteers' was not very difficult. It's focus will be aimed at Alzheimer's research. This should be interesting. Here's the link.

GDF11 is a protein hormone, and as such it would not be easy to produce currently at levels needed for therapy and ecnonomically. That being said, insulin is also a protein hormone which is affordable for diabetics, so it is doable using recominbinant technology and probably only months of development costs with the right financial and laboratory expertise and backing. Unfortunately, this is not usually the way things happen with similar protein based drugs (like Herceptin) for example. Usually pharmaceutical companies claim they invented the wheel (when it was really open source and tax payer funded science), run the last leg of the mile, and claim patent rights. Since protein drugs are actually slighly more difficult to produce and purify than small molecule drugs and even the later are marked up by thousands of percents, you can imagine if you let the drug companies get a hold of patent rights for GDF11 what will be the story. Bottom line is there is no reason for GDF11 to be any more expensive than insulin, but it probably will be unless you call your Congressman if things pan out for the utility of this promising new agent.

pkapoor I read the same about GDF11, I am 28 years old and have been diagnosed with Leukoaraiosis, which doctors say is untreatable. However, after reading about GDF11 I feel that this might be the cure I a looking for. If the experiment as done with mice can be done on humans. I would readily participate in it. Also, I had a question about obtaining GDF11 from an aborted fetus? Is it possible to extract is from the fetus before it is aborted? Also, If I get blood from a child, without causing any harm to that child. Is it possible to get GDF11 from it?I had been looking for ways to get young blood to separate out the plasma ans use it on myself, but I have doubts related to using it, as to getting a new infection from that blood.

You are quite young for a diagnosis of Leukoaraiosis. I would strongly recommend contacting Dr. Daniel Amen (http://danielamenmd.com/ ) for a review of you and your records.Unfortunately, I lack the expertise to adequately respond to your questions about obtaining GDF11 from a living fetus or from a child's blood.